Patch Candidate Profile: Zak Schwank For Temecula City Council

TEMECULA, CA — With election day approaching, Temecula voters are preparing to cast ballots in contests that could shape the future of their community, including City Council races.

City Council members approve local policies and municipal budgets, oversee public services and make decisions that affect residents, businesses and neighborhood development.

Patch asked all Temecula City Council candidates to answer questions about their campaigns, and we are publishing their responses.

Meet Zak Schwank, candidate for Temecula City Council, District 5:

What is your campaign website?

N/A

What is your educational background?

B.A. Political Science CSUSM - UC Riverside Ph.D. Student.

What is your occupation?

Part-time Professor Moreno Valley College.

Briefly tell us about your family.

Jennifer and I moved to Temecula in 2001 to start our family. We have three children all who have attended TVUSD schools. I enjoy spending time at the Redhawk Dog Park and exploring the trails in Temecula.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Jennifer is a public school teacher in Temecula.

Age.

53

Do you have previous experience in public office, appointive or elective?

I was elected to the city council in 2018 and reelected in 2022. I served as mayor in 2023 and Chairperson of Riverside Transit in 2022. Prior to my elected life, I was appointed to the Temecula Community Services Commission in 2012. I have served on the Temecula Elementary School PTA and Paloma Elementary School Site Council.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking reelection to continue the good governance that I have championed since 2018 and enhance the quality of life of Temecula residents.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The common answer will be traffic, but I believe the single most pressing issue facing constituents is cost of living. While broader prices are out of control (gas, groceries, housing) and out of our control at the local level, we can focus on making sure that the tax dollars that residents do pay are well cared for and spend wisely. We recently paid off all city debt making Temecula the only city in California to be debt free. I care how your dollars are spent and make sure that every project add value to your life and the community as a whole.

If applicable, what are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Experience is the most significant difference. The challengers in District 5 lack any sort of meaningful experience that translates to the job of a council member. The challengers focus on single issues and really have now way to pay for their plans. Temecula is no longer a small town and it requires experienced leadership not only at the local level but regionally and statewide to make sure that tax dollars collected at the state level make their way back to residents in Temecula.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

N/A

What is your position on the SDG&E Powerlink Project?

NO POWERLINK! As a sitting council member I have used my position to publicly fight SDG&E and direct city dollars to hire the best law firm and consultants to help us build a case to fight the powerlink.

What is your position on more affordable housing in Temecula?

Affordable housing is necessary and Temecula has provided much in the way of affordable housing. Over the years the city has invested in over 900 units to help single mothers, youth, and our seniors. Having partners like Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley is invaluable. Moving forward we cannot let Sacramento tell us when and where we need to build. I will continue to fight for local control. The model we have implemented works and we don't need outside voices micromanaging our community.

What ideas do you have for improving tourism?

With everyone complaining about traffic we really need to rethink tourism. Much of the traffic we see is directly tied to tourism. Tourism has helped our region establish itself as a destination and we need to be thankful. Many of the local businesses would not survive without tourism. Managing the impacts are where strong relationships with Visit Temecula Valley, the Winegrowers Association, Pechanga, and the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce come into play. It isn't about bringing in more visitors like my opponent states, but about bringing in the right kind of visitor. One that stays multiple nights and leaves a significant amount of their income in our economy.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Continue keeping our city debt free and having a balanced budget. Keep focussing on homelessness and quality of life issues. Maintain public safety staffing levels.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Simply providing stable leadership that keeps our city on the right track. Paying off our debt, widening the 15 freeway, obtaining grants to build out our trail system, strong regional and state relationships.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Make sure that every city project is done right the first time, even if you have to wait and save money to build it.